Asheboro, N.C. — Three orphaned cougars that were brought to the North Carolina Zoo in March will celebrate their first birthday next week.

Zoo keepers said they will host a birthday party for the animals on Dec. 22, offering them a large papier-mache “cake” they can rip to shreds.

“The holiday season is about cherishing lives,” zoo director David Jones said in a statement. “It is a miracle that all three cougars are still alive; their story is unbelievable. We are thankful all three animals have safe homes and their lives remind people every day why conservation and zoos are important.”

Heath, Olive and Willow were rescued after a hunter in Oregon killed their mother. The cubs were taken to the Oregon Zoo, where they stayed until they were weaned.

Willow moved to the Lincoln Park Zoo in Manitowoc, Wisc., in October because the North Carolina facility did not have the space to keep all three.

Heath and Olive are on exhibit daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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